Shine Through the Stars
Ever try to talk about God at a ba… Read Full Bio ↴Chasen
Shine Through the Stars
Ever try to talk about God at a bar? Faith and clubs may seem unlikely companions, but powerhouse pop/rock trio Chasen sees no need to divide the two. Whether playing for crowds on Sunday at their hometown church, or on weekdays at clubs like House of Blues and Ashvilleβs own Orange Peel, this new bandβs refreshingly unaffected honesty and hook-heavy rock sound right at home.
The band got its start in the church, writing praise and worship choruses for Sunday services and youth group events. Lead singer/songwriter and namesake Chasen Callahan pulled together fellow bandmates β guitarist Silver and drummer Aaron Lord β to help him compile an independent CD of songs Callahan had played at summer youth camps. The music was so good, the disc soon found its way into the hands of upstart label OMG, a small new entertainment enterprise in the historic West End of Greenville, South Carolina. Drawing inspiration from its location β well outside the modern music hubs of L.A., New York, and Nashville β OMG sought to find fresh talent in unexpected places, and saw the young band as a perfect debut for its roster.
OMGβs hunch was correct. Since signing, Chasen has already tasted extensive success, despite not yet having a project in the marketplace. The band has toured heavily, opening for the likes of Relient K, NEEDTOBREATHE, and mainstream rockers Sister Hazel. Theyβve already seen an early single, βCrazy Beautiful,β climb to a Top-5 position on Christian radio charts. Leveraging its forward-thinking predilection, OMG also orchestrated a cross-promotion with the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2, or βZ2,β whereby national advertising for the hot new teen-targeted portable device prominently features Chasenβs music.
These accomplishments provide an impressive segue to the bandβs national debut, Shine Through the Stars. Showcasing their inspirational brand of rootsy pop, the 13-song collection is set to release in April 2008 for OMG Music and distribution partner EMI CMG. Chasen recorded the project at OMG Studios under the direction of award-winning producer Noel Golden, whose earlier credits include Matchbox Twenty, Edwin McCain, and Lee Ann Womack.
Sole songwriter and lead singer Callahan also contributed guitar and piano on the project. A prolific, self-taught musician, Callahan says his ability runs in the family. βWhen I was 13, I played drums for my dadβs bandβ β an ensemble facetiously dubbed βPotter Zye.β Dad next encouraged him to lead worship songs for the youth group at church, and Callahanβs talent grew from there.
The songs on Shine Through the Stars center around trying to live a life of conscience and conviction amid a society where that pursuit can be polarizing. Writing candidly from his own experience, Callahan manages to provide a positive voice in his music without proselytizing, creating a project that is easily accessible to a wide variety of listeners.
Case in point is the radio single βCrazy Beautiful.β In jangly, melodically-driven rock, the song offers an up-beat, healthy perspective on the pressure we all feel to maintain a camera-perfect image. βThis song is for the ones who think theyβre not pretty enough or cool enough,β Callahan explains. βThe next time you look at yourself in the mirror, remember that God looks at us all the same. Heβs capable of making you exactly how you were intended to be.β The songβs sympathetic reminder that itβs what is on the inside that counts has propelled it up radio charts and connected Chasen with a host of teenage fans.
The project also dips into more plaintive subject matter at points. βDrownβ β a song about overcoming lust β was written several years ago when Callahan was struggling with making responsible choices about dating and sex. Then a hot-blooded American teenager himself, he penned the gentle ballad while sitting alone at South Carolinaβs venerable Folly Beach in the early hours of the morning. The waves mirrored the thoughts he felt would overwhelm him.
βGod has a way of teaching us through everyday life,β he recalls. βDrowning in those circumstances I was dealing with at the time was not an option, and this song is about finding redemption from that situation.β
Throughout the project, Callahanβs songs reveal his close relationship with God. Following Christ is a singular passion of his that adds an earnest depth to his songwriting. Not complicated or religious, Callahanβs songs manage to remain a simple, humble, and grateful acknowledgement of the Divine at work in his life.
βWaking up to a sunrise or watching a sunset over the ocean makes me thankful,β he admits. He often sees God reflected in nature, from the mountains in his hometown of Pickens, South Carolina, to the Pacific Northwest wilderness surrounding his extended family in Oregon. Stars have a particular significance for Callahan, thanks to a cherished memory of his grandfather that forms the foundation of the albumβs title, and closing, song.
βMy grandfather was a huge inspiration in my life,β he says. βJust before he died, when I was ten years old, he told me to find a star and never look away. By that, he meant to choose a goal and strive to achieve that goal, without ever looking back.β
With the release of Shine Through the Stars, Callahan and his eponymously-titled band are looking ahead to more than they even dared to dream. As heavy touring continues and the promise of further radio success builds, Chasen is on a path that will enable them to share their message of hope with a much larger audience.
βChrist didnβt stay within the four walls of a church,β Callahan says. βHe went to the streets. Thatβs where I feel led to go, too. People need to know that Christ loves them no matter where they are.β
And, whether itβs Sunday, Saturday, or any day in between, Chasen is prepared to take that message to them.
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Slow Down
Chasen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I see a life I can mold
You see a bunch of blank pages
But I see potential untold
Before you give up
Before your heart breaks
Open your eyes
Slow down take a breath in this moment
Leave all the worries you're carrying
Be still in the midst of this madness
Let go of all that you fear
'Cause I've already set your heart free
So leave all the changing to me
You see the doubt and the questions
But I see the wrestling with faith
You see someone worth nothing
But I see someone I can save
Before you give up
Before your heart breaks
Open your eyes
To this picture of grace and just
Slow down take a breath in this moment
Leave all the worries you're carrying
Be still in the midst of this madness
Let go of all that you fear
'Cause I've already set your heart free
So leave all the changing to me
Life is a long road, so hard to follow
You feel like you'll never win
Just trust in my love and let me take care of the rest
So you can begin
Slow down take a breath in this moment
Leave all the worries you're carrying
Be still in the midst of this madness
Let go of all that you fear
'Cause I've already set your heart free
So leave all the changing to me
The lyrics of Chasen's song Slow Down touch on the idea that people sometimes get so caught up in their struggles or doubts that they forget to focus on the good things in life. The song urges listeners to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the present moment, to let go of their fears and worries, and to trust that everything will work out in the end. This can be seen in lines like "Slow down take a breath in this moment β¦ Be still in the midst of this madness β¦ Let go of all that you fear".
The lyrics also suggest that while people may only see the negative aspects of their lives, others may see potential and value in them. For instance, in the line "You see someone worth nothing / But I see someone I can save", the singer implies that he sees someone who is in need of help and who has the potential to be saved. This message is reinforced by the refrain, which emphasizes that people should trust in God or a higher power to take care of their problems and guide them towards a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
You see all of the pieces
You look at the parts, but I look at the whole picture and the potential to make something new.
But I see a life I can mold
I envision a life that I can shape and change for the better.
You see a bunch of blank pages
You see nothingness, but I see the potential for endless possibilities and opportunities.
But I see potential untold
I see a future that is full of promise, but it needs patience and time to be realized.
Before you give up
Don't lose hope or surrender too soon.
Before your heart breaks
Don't let your emotions cause you to make a rash decision or act impulsively.
Open your eyes
Take a fresh look at your situation and see beyond your current perceptions and feelings.
To this picture of grace and just
See the beauty and fairness in the world and the goodness that is present despite the struggles.
Slow down take a breath in this moment
Stop rushing and stressing and appreciate the present moment.
Leave all the worries you're carrying
Let go of your anxieties and concerns so you can free yourself to find peace and contentment.
Be still in the midst of this madness
Find inner calm and tranquility even in the midst of chaos and turmoil.
Let go of all that you fear
Don't allow fear to control or limit you in any way.
'Cause I've already set your heart free
My love and care for you have made you emotionally free and secure.
So leave all the changing to me
Allow me to help and guide you rather than trying to control your own destiny.
You see the doubt and the questions
You are uncertain and have many queries, but I see a willingness to explore and discover.
But I see the wrestling with faith
I see the internal struggle and conflict with one's beliefs and spirituality.
You see someone worth nothing
You perceive yourself as unworthy or without value, but I see your inherent worth and potential.
But I see someone I can save
I see someone who can be rescued, helped, and ultimately supported and loved unconditionally.
Life is a long road, so hard to follow
Life is a difficult and winding journey that can be overwhelming at times.
You feel like you'll never win
You may feel like success and victory are impossible to attain.
Just trust in my love and let me take care of the rest
Believe in my affection and compassion for you and allow me to help and support you through any challenge or hardship.
So you can begin
So you can start anew with renewed hope and energy.
Writer(s): Chase Coy Copyright: Sony/ATV Songs LLC, Fall Is Gone Publishing
Contributed by Leah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.